Functional roles of sodium-calcium exchange in autorhythmicity and action potential of murine fetal cardiomyocytes at early developmental stage.

The aim of the present paper was to study the role of sodium calcium exchanger (NCX) in the generation of action potentials (APs) in cardiomyocytes during early developmental stage (EDS). The precisely dated embryonic hearts of C57 mice were dissected and enzymatically dissociated to single cells. The changes of APs were recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp technique before and after administration of NCX specific blockers KB-R7943 (5 µmol/L) and SEA0400 (1 µmol/L). The results showed that, both KB-R7943 and SEA0400 had potent negative chronotropic effects on APs of pacemaker-like cells, while such effects were only observed in some ventricular-like cardiomyocytes. The negative chronotropic effect of KB-R7943 on ventricular-like cardiomyocytes was accompanied by shortening of AP duration (APD), whereas such an effect of SEA0400 was paralleled by decrease in velocity of diastolic depolarization (Vdd). From embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5) to E10.5, the negative chronotropic effects of KB-R7943 and SEA0400 on ventricular-like APs of embryonic cardiomyocytes gradually disappeared. These results suggest that, in the short-term development of early embryo, the function of NCX may experience developmental changes as evidenced by different roles of NCX in autorhythmicity and APs generation, indicating that NCX function varies with different conditions of cardiomyocytes.

MiR-20 regulates myocardiac ischemia by targeting KATP subunit Kir6.1.

This study aimed to examine the functional role of microRNA-20 (miR-20) and its potential target, Kir6.1, in ischemic myocardiocytes. The expression of miR-20 was detected by real-time PCR. Myocardiocytes were stained with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TU-NEL) reagent for apoptosis evaluation. Western blotting was used to detect the Kir6.1 protein in ischemic myocardiocytes transfected with miR-20 mimics or inhibitors. Luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to confirm the targeting effect of miR-20 on KCNJ8. The results showed that miR-20 was remarkably down-regulated, while the KATP subunit Kir6.1 was significantly up-regulated, during myocardial ischemia. The miR-20 overexpression promoted the apoptosis of ischemic myocardiocytes, but showed no such effect on normal cells. Under ischemic condition, myocardiocytes transfected with miR-20 mimics expressed less Kir6.1. On the contrary, inhibiting miR-20 increased the expression of Kir6.1 in the cells. Co-transfection of miR-20 mimics with the KCNJ8 3'-UTR plasmid into HEK293 cells consistently produced less luciferase activity than transfection of the plasmid alone. It was concluded that miR-20 may regulate myocardiac ischemia by targeting KATP subunit Kir6.1 to accelerate the cell apoptosis. Therefore miR-20 may serve as a therapeutic target for myocardial ischemic disease.

Thymosin ß4 impeded murine stem cell proliferation with an intact cardiovascular differentiation.

Thymosin ß4 (Tß4) is a key factor in cardiac development, growth, disease, epicardial integrity, blood vessel formation and has cardio-protective properties. However, its role in murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) proliferation and cardiovascular differentiation remains unclear. Thus we aimed to elucidate the influence of Tß4 on mESCs. Target genes during mESCs proliferation and differentiation were detected by real-time PCR or Western blotting, and patch clamp was applied to characterize the mESCs-derived cardiomyocytes. It was found that Tß4 decreased mESCs proliferation in a partial dose-dependent manner and the expression of cell cycle regulatory genes c-myc, c-fos and c-jun. However, mESCs self-renewal markers Oct4 and Nanog were elevated, indicating the maintenance of self-renewal ability in these mESCs. Phosphorylation of STAT3 and Akt was inhibited by Tß4 while the expression of RAS and phosphorylation of ERK were enhanced. No significant difference was found in BMP2/BMP4 or their downstream protein smad. Wnt3 and Wnt11 were remarkably decreased by Tß4 with upregulation of Tcf3 and constant ß-catenin. Under mESCs differentiation, Tß4 treatment did not change the expression of cardiovascular cell markers α-MHC, PECAM, and α-SMA. Neither the electrophysiological properties of mESCs-derived cardiomyocytes nor the hormonal regulation by Iso/Cch was affected by Tß4. In conclusion, Tß4 suppressed mESCs proliferation by affecting the activity of STAT3, Akt, ERK and Wnt pathways. However, Tß4 did not influence the in vitro cardiovascular differentiation.

[Expression of Kir2.1, SCN5a and SCN1b channel genes in mouse cardiomyocytes with various electric properties: patch clamp combined with single cell RT-PCR study].

This study is to explore a new method of investigating molecular basis for electrophysiological properties of early fetal cardiomyocytes. Single embryonic cardiomyocytes of mouse early developmental heart (E10.5) were obtained by a collagenase B digestion approach. After recording spontaneous action potential using whole cell patch clamp technique, the single cell was picked by a glass micropipette, followed by a standard RT-PCR to explore the expression levels of several ion channel genes. Three phenotypes of cardiomyocytes were demonstrated with distinct properties: ventricular-like, atrial-like, and pacemaker-like action potentials. Ventricular-like and atrial-like cells were characterized with much negative maximum diastolic potential (MDP) and a higher V(max) (maximum velocity of depolarization) compared to pacemaker-like cells. MDP of ventricular-like cells was the most negative. In parallel, stronger expression of SCN5a, SCN1b and Kir2.1 were observed in ventricular-like and atrial-like cells compared to that of pacemaker-like cells, where Kir2.1 in ventricular-like cells was the most abundant. Cardiomyocytes with distinct electrophysiological properties had distinct gene expression pattern. Single cell RT-PCR combined with patch clamp technique could serve as a precise detector to analyze the molecular basis of the special electrophysiological characteristics of cardiomyocytes.

Hyposmotic challenge modulates function of L-type calcium channel in rat ventricular myocytes through protein kinase C.

AIM: To study the effects and mechanisms by which hyposmotic challenge modulate function of L-type calcium current (I(Ca,L)) in rat ventricular myocytes. METHODS: The whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were used to record I(Ca,L) in rat ventricular myocytes. RESULTS: Hyposmotic challenge(∼220 mosmol/L) induced biphasic changes of I(Ca,L), a transient increase followed by a sustained decrease. I(Ca,L) increased by 19.1%±6.1% after short exposure (within 3 min) to hyposmotic solution. On the contrary, long hyposmotic challenge (10 min) decreased I(Ca,L) to 78.1%±11.0% of control, caused the inactivation of I(Ca,L), and shifted the steady-state inactivation curve of I(Ca,L) to the right. The decreased I(Ca,L) induced by hyposmotic swelling was reversed by isoproterenol or protein kinase A (PKA) activator foskolin. Hyposmotic swelling also reduced the stimulated I(Ca,L) by isoproterenol or foskolin. PKA inhibitor H-89 abolished swelling-induced transient increase of I(Ca,L), but did not affect the swelling-induced sustained decrease of I(Ca,L). NO donor SNAP and protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS did not interfere with swelling-induced biphasic changes of I(Ca,L). Protein kinase C (PKC) activator PMA decreased I(Ca,L) and hyposmotic solution with PMA reverted the decreased I(Ca,L) by PMA. PKC inhibitor BIM prevented the swelling-induced biphasic changes of I(Ca,L). CONCLUSION: Hyposmotic challenge induced biphasic changes of I(Ca,L), a transient increase followed by a sustained decrease, in rat ventricular myocytes through PKC pathway, but not PKG pathway. PKA system could be responsible for the transient increase of I(Ca,L) during short exposure to hyposmotic solution.

An optimized recording method to characterize biophysical and pharmacological properties of acid-sensing ion channel.

OBJECTIVE: To re-confirm and characterize the biophysical and pharmacological properties of endogenously expressed human acid-sensing ion channel 1a (hASIC1a) current in HEK293 cells with a modified perfusion methods. METHODS: With cell floating method, which is separating the cultured cell from coverslip and putting the cell in front of perfusion tubing, whole cell patch clamp technique was used to record hASIC1a currents evoked by low pH external solution. RESULTS: Using cell floating method, the amplitude of hASIC1a currents activated by pH 5.0 in HEK293 cells is twice as large as that by the conventional method where the cells remain attached to coverslip. The time to reach peak at two different recording conditions is (21+/-5) ms and (270+/-25) ms, respectively. Inactivation time constants are (496+/-23) ms and (2284+/-120) ms, respectively. The cell floating method significantly increases the amiloride potency of block on hASIC1a [IC50 is (3.4+/-1.1) micromol/L and (2.4+/- 0.9) micromol/L, respectively]. Both recording methods have similar pH activation EC50 (6.6+/-0.6, 6.6+/-0.7, respectively). CONCLUSION: ASICs channel activation requires fast exchange of extracellular solution with the different pH values. With cell floating method, the presence of hASIC1a current was re-confirmed and the biophysical and pharmacological properties of hASIC1a channel in HEK293 cells were precisely characterized. This method could be used to study all ASICs and other ligand-gated channels that require fast extracellular solution exchange.

Role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 in the effect of osmotic pressure on myocardial contractility in rat.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of osmotic pressure on myocardial contractility and the possible mechanism. Electrical stimulation was used to excite papillary muscles of the left ventricle of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The contractilities of myocardium in hyposmotic, isosmotic, and hyperosmotic perfusates were recorded. The influences of agonist and antagonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) on the contractility of myocardium under hyposmotic, isosmotic and hyperosmotic conditions were observed. The results were as follows: (1) Compared with that under isosmotic condition (310 mOsm/L), the myocardial contractility was increased by 11.5%, 21.5% and 25.0% (P<0.05) under hyposmotic conditions when the osmotic pressure was at 290, 270 and 230 mOsm/L, respectively; and was decreased by 16.0%, 23.7% and 55.2% (P<0.05) under hyperosmotic conditions when the osmotic pressure was at 350, 370 and 390 mOsm/L, respectively. (2) When ruthenium red (RR), an antagonist of TRPV4, was added to the hyposmotic perfusate (270 mOsm/L), the positive inotropic effect of hyposmia was restrained by 36% (P<0.01); and when RR was added to the hyperosmotic perfusate (390 mOsm/L), the inhibitory effect of hyperosmia on myocardial contractility was increased by 56.1% (P<0.01). (3) When 4-α-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate (4α-PDD), an agonist of TRPV4, was added to the isosmotic perfusate (310 mOsm/L), the myocardial contractility did not change; and when 4α-PDD was added to the hyperosmotic perfusate (390 mOsm/L), the inhibition of myocardial contractility by hyperosmia was increased by 27.1% (P<0.01). These results obtained indicate that TRPV4 is possibly involved in the osmotic pressure-induced inotropic effect.

Cannabinoids inhibit ATP-activated currents in rat trigeminal ganglionic neurons.

The present study aimed to investigate whether cannabinoids could modulate the response mediated by ATP receptor (P2X purinoceptor). Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was performed on cultured rat trigeminal ganglionic (TG) neurons. The majority of TG neurons were sensitive to ATP (67/75, 89.33%). Extracellular pretreatment with WIN55212-2, a cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1 receptor) agonist, reduced ATP-activated current (I(ATP)) significantly. This inhibitory effect was concentration-dependent and was blocked by AM281, a specific CB1 receptor antagonist. Pretreatment with WIN55212-2 at 1×10(-13), 1×10(-12), 1×10(-11), 1×10(-10), 1×10(-9) and 1×10(-8) mol/L reduced I(ATP) (induced by 1×10(-4) mol/L ATP) by (8.14±3.14)%, (20.11±2.72)%, (46.62±3.51)%, (72.16±5.64)%, (80.21±2.80)% and (80.59±3.55)%, respectively. The concentration-response curves for I(ATP) pretreated with and without WIN55212-2 showed that WIN55212-2 shifted the curve downward, and decreased the maximal amplitude of I(ATP) by (58.02±4.21)%. But the threshold value and EC(50) (1.15×10(-4) mol/L vs 1.27×10(-4) mol/L) remained unchanged. The inhibition of I(ATP) by WIN55212-2 was reversed by AM281, suggesting that the inhibition was mediated via the CB1 receptor. Pretreatment with forskolin [an agonist of adenylyl cyclase (AC)] or 8-Br-cAMP reversed the inhibition of I(ATP) by WIN55212-2. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of cannabinoids on I(ATP) is mediated via the CB1 receptors, that lead to inhibition of the AC-cAMP-PKA signaling pathway.

Effect of hypoxia on hyperpolarization-activated current in mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons.

The properties of hyperpolarization-activated current (I(h)) in mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and the effect of hypoxia on the current have been studied using whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp technique. Under voltage-clamp mode, I(h), blocked by 1 mM extracellular CsCl, was present in 75.5% of mouse DRG neurons. The distribution rate increased as the neurons become larger, 5.3%, 79.8% and 94.2% in small, medium and large neurons, respectively. Both I(h) density and the rate of I(h) activation increased in response to more hyperpolarized potential. The activation of I(h) current in larger neuron was faster than in smaller neuron, there was a significant correlation between the time constant of I(h) activation and neuron's size. However, I(h) density did not show any correlation with neuron's size. Under current-clamp mode, 'depolarizing sag' was observed in all neurons with I(h) current. The reversal potential (V(rev)) and the maximal conductance density of I(h) (G(h.max-density)) were -31.0 +/- 4.8 mV and 0.17 +/- 0.02 nS/pF, with a half-activated potential (V(0.5) = -99.4 +/- 1.1 mV) and a slope factor (kappa = -10.2 +/- 0.3 mV). There was a correlation between neuron's size and G(h.max-density) only. According to the effect of hypoxia on resting membrane potential, there were hypoxia-sensitive and hypoxia-insensitive neurons. In the hypoxia-sensitive neurons, I(h) was fully abolished by hypoxia, although the resting membrane potential was hyperpolarized. V(0.5) and V(rev) were shifted about 30 mV toward hyperpolarization, whereas G(h.max-density) and kappa were not affected by hypoxia. We suggest that the kinetics and voltage-dependent characteristics of I(h) are varied in mouse DRG neurons with different size. Hypoxia inhibits I(h) in the hypoxia-sensitive neurons by shifting its activation potential to a more hyperpolarized level.

Action of beta-amyloid peptide1₋40 on I(HVA) and its modulation by ginkgolide B.

Whole-cell patch clamp recording was used to investigate the action of beta-amyloid peptide(1-40) (Abeta(1-40)) on high voltage-activated calcium channel current (I(HVA)) in acutely isolated hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in rats and observe its modulation by ginkgolide B (GB). Drug was applied by extracellular bath or adding in the pipette solution, and its effect was determined by comparing the amplitude of I(HVA) before and after the drug application. Bath application of aggregated Abeta(1-40) at concentrations of 0.01~30 mumol/L increased the amplitude of I(HVA) in a dose-dependent manner by (5.43+/-3.01)% (n=8, P>0.05), (10.49+/-4.13) % (n=11, P>0.05), (40.69+/-8.01) % (n=16, P<0.01), (58.32+/-4.85) % (n=12, P<0.01), and (75.45+/-5.81) % (n=6, P<0.01), respectively, but had no effect on the I-V curve of I(HVA); fresh Abeta(1-40) almost had no effect on I(HVA) (n=5, P>0.05). L-type calcium channel antagonist nifedipine abolished the increase of I(HVA)by Abeta(1-40). The increase of I(HVA) by Abeta(1-40) (1.0 mumol/L) was enhanced to (66.19+/-5.74) % (P<0.05) by 8-Br-cAMP (membrane permeable analogue of cAMP) and to (73.21+/-6.90) % (P<0.05) by forskolin, an adenylyl cyclase (AC) agonist, and reduced to (20.08+/-2.18) % (P<0.05) by H-89, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) antagonist. GB effectively inhibited the increase of I(HVA) by Abeta(1-40). The results indicate that Abeta(1-40) leads to an intracellular calcium overload by increasing I(HVA) via AC-cAMP-PKA. This may be one of the mechanisms for its neurotoxicity. GB can prevent neurons from neurotoxicity by inhibiting abnormal calcium influx caused by Abeta(1-40).

[Effects of melatonin on the induction of long term potentiation in the hippocampal CA3 area of rats].

AIM: To study the effect of melatonin on the induction of LTP in CA3 area of hippocampus and to investigated its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Melatonin and other drugs (Tacrine or DNQX) were microinjected into the CA3 area. By using extracellular electrophysiological recordings to observe the changes of the slope of fEPSP in the CA3 area. RESULTS: (1) Evoked potential and the induction of LTP were depressed by different concentration of melatonin (0.2 microg/microl, 1 microg/microl and 5 microg/microl). As the melatonin concentration increased, the induction of LTP was blocked more obviously. (2) Melatonin could attenuate the excitation effect of Tacrine (inhibitor of AChE) on LTP. (3) Inhibition of the melatonin-induced on LTP attenuated by DNQX. CONCLUSION: The application of melatonin in rats inhibits the induction of LTP in the hippocampal CA3 area. The action of melatonin on the induction of LTP may be through the modulation of not only non-NMDA receptors but also cholinergic system.

[An electrophysiological study on the artificial somato-autonomic pathway for inducing voiding].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possibility of regeneration of somatic motor nerve to replace splanchnic nerve and the electrophysiologic characters of the regenerated nerve. METHODS: An artificial somato-autonomic reflex pathway was established by intradural microanastomosis of L(4) ventral root (VR) to L(6)VR at the left side in 12 male Wistar rats. Then the L(4)VR proximal to the anastomosis was stimulated by silver electrode and the evoked potentials were recorded on the distal end to the anastomosis, pelvic nerve and postganlionic fibers of the major pelvic ganglia (MPG). Cystometrography was used to record the intravesical pressure. Hexamethonium, a cholinergic ganglion blocker, was given directly on the pelvic ganglion so as to observe the change of the intravesical pressure evoked by stimulation of the nerves. Another 12 rats were used as controls. RESULTS: (1) In the experimental group, stimulation of the L(4)VR proximal end to the anastomosis evoked potentials on the distal end, the pelvic nerve, and the postganglionic fibers of the MPG, and induced bladder contraction. Stimulation of the contralateral sciatic nerve failed to evoke change of intravesical pressure. In the control group stimulation of the L(4)VR or sciatic nerve failed to evoke potentials on the postganglionic fibers of pelvic nerve and change of intravesical pressure. (2) Stimulation of the ipsilateral sciatic nerve led to an increase of intravesical pressure. (3) After the use of hexamethonium stimulation of the ipsilateral sciatic nerve and proximal end of L(4)-L(6) anastomosis failed to evoke change of intravesical pressure. (4) The conduction velocity of the regenerated motor axons was 33.3 m/s +/- 6.9m/s, significantly higher than that of the control group (11.6 m/s +/- 1.6 m/s). CONCLUSION: Somatic motor axons can regenerate to the MPG and reinnervate the bladder and the impulses from the somatic motor neurons can initiate voiding.

Action of aluminum on high voltage-dependent calcium current and its modulation by ginkgolide B.

AIM: To investigate the effect of aluminum (Al) on high voltage-dependent calcium current (I(HVA)) and its modulation by ginkgolide B (Gin B). METHODS: The whole-cell, patch-clamp technique was used to record IHVA from acutely isolated hippocampal CA1 pyramydal neurons in rats. RESULTS: Al 0.1 mmol/L (low concentration) reduced I(HVA); Al 0.75 and 1.0 mmol/L (high concentrations) increased I(HVA), and Al decreased and increased I(HVA) at intermediate concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5 mmol/L. The increase of I(HVA) by Al 1.0 mmol/L was enhanced by the adenylyl cyclase (AC) agonist forskolin and was partly abolished by the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) antagonist H-89, whereas the decrease observed with Al 0.1 mmol/L was neither reversed by forskolin nor affected by H-89. Gin B had no effect on I(HVA) in normal neurons, but canceled the increase in I(HVA) by 1.0 mmol/L Al. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the mechanism of Al affecting I(HVA) differs at different concentrations, and this may be attributed to its complex actions. Gin B could prevent neurons from injury by inhibiting calcium influx.

Different signal molecules involved in the muscarinic modulation of pacemaker current I(f) on the heart of mouse embryo in different developmental stages.

We isolated mouse embryonic cardiomyocytes derived from timed-pregnant females at different periods and used patch-clamp technique to investigate the muscarinic cholinergic modulation of pacemaker current I(f) in different developmental stages. In early development stage (EDS), muscarinic agonist carbachol (CCh) significantly decreased the magnitude of the pacemaker current I(f) but had no effect in late development stage (LDS). Forskolin (a direct adenylate cyclase activator) and IBMX (a non-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor) increased I(f) in both EDS and LDS cells. Interestingly, although both forskolin and IBMX increased basal I(f), their effects on CCh-inhibited I(f) were different. Forskolin did not reverse the inhibitory action of CCh until intermediate development stage (IDS). In contrast, IBMX reversed the inhibitory action of CCh on I(f) in EDS but not in IDS. It is suggested that a decrease in intracellular cAMP is a possible mechanism for CCh to modulate I(f). During the EDS and IDS CCh controls the cytoplasmic cAMP level by different pathways: In EDS, CCh modulates I(f) possibly by activating PDE which accelerates the breakdown of cAMP, but in IDS possibly by inhibiting adenylate cyclase (AC) which then reduces the synthesis of cAMP.

Muscarinic cholinergic regulation of L-type calcium channel in heart of embryonic mice at different developmental stages.

AIM: To investigate the muscarinic regulation of L-type calcium current (I(Ca-L)) during development. METHODS: The whole cell patch-clamp technique was used to record II(Ca-L) in mice embryonic cardiomyocytes at different stages (the early developmental stage, EDS; the intermediate developmental stage, IDS; and the late developmental stage, LDS). Carbachol (CCh) was used to stimulate M-receptor in the embryonic cardiomyocytes of mice. RESULTS: The expression of I(Ca-L) density did not change in different developmental stages (P>0.05). There was no difference in the sensitivity of I(Ca-L) to CCh during development (P>0.05). This inhibitory action of CCh was mediated by inhibition of cyclic AMP since 8-bromo-cAMP completely reversed the muscarinic inhibitory action. IBMX, a non-selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE), reversed the inhibitory action of M-receptor on I(Ca-L) current by 71.2 %+/-9.2 % (n=8) and 11.3 %+/-2.5 % (n=9) in EDS and LDS respectively. However forskolin, an agonist of adenylyl cyclase (AC), reversed the action of CCh by 14.5 %+/-3.5 % (n=5) and 82.7 %+/-10.4 % (n=7) in EDS and LDS respectively. CONCLUSION: The inhibitory action of CCh on I(Ca-L) current was mediated in different pathways: in EDS, the inhibitory action of M-receptor on I(Ca-L) channel mainly depended on the stimulation of PDE. However, in LDS, the regulation by M-receptor on I(Ca-L) channel mainly depended on the inactivation of AC.

[Chronic intermittent hypoxia decreases acute hypoxic inhibition of voltage-gated potassium channel in rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells].

For determination the ionic mechanisms of the hypoxic acclimatization at the level of channels, male Spradue-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: control normoxic group and chronic intermittent hypoxic group [O2 concentration: (10 +/-0.5)%, hypoxia 8 h a day]. Using whole cell patch-clamp technique, voltage-gated potassium channel currents (IK(V)) were recorded in freshly isolated pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) of rat with acute isolated method. The effect of acute hypoxia on IK(V) of PASMCs from chronic intermittent hypoxia group was investigated to offer some basic data for clarifying the ionic mechanisms of the hypoxic acclimatization. The results showed: (1) In control normoxic group, after acute hypoxia free-Ca(2+) solution, the resting membrane potential (Em) of PASMCs was depolarized significantly from -47.2+/-2.6 mV to -26.7+/-1.2 mV, and the IK(V) of PASMCs was decreased significantly from 153.4+/-9.5 pA/pF to 70.1+/-0.6 pA/pF, the peak current percent inhibition was up to (57.6+/-3.3)% at +60 mV, and current-voltage relationship curve shifted to the right. (2) In chronic intermittent hypoxic group, the IK(V) of PASMCs was decreased significantly by exposure to intermittent hypoxia in a time-dependent manner, appeared to start on day 10 and continued to day 30 (the longest time tested) of hypoxia, and current-voltage relationship curve shifted to the right in a time-dependent manner. (3) Compared with the control normoxic group, the percent IK(V) inhibition by acute hypoxia was significantly attenuated in the chronic intermittent hypoxia group and this inhibition effect declined with time exposure to hypoxia. The results suggest that K(V) inhibition was significantly attenuated by chronic intermittent hypoxia, and this effect may be a critical mechanism of the body hypoxic acclimatization.

[Isolation and electrophysiological characteristics of embryonic cardiomyocytes in mice].

To explore the electrophysiological characteristics of embryonic cardiomyocytes, single embryonic cardiomyocytes were obtained from mice at different periods by a collegenase B digestion approach, whole cell patch clamp recording technique was used to record I(f) and I(Ca-L), and spontaneous action potential was also recorded. The morphological and spontaneous contractile properties of the isolated cells appeared to be typical embryonic cardiomyocytes when the cells were assessed by phase-contrast microscope. Whole cell recording of isolated cells is easily performed by the whole cell patch clamp technique. Elelctrophysiological properties of I(f) and I(Ca-L) from embryonic cardiomyocytes have been proved to be similar to those from adult pacemaker cells or cardiomyocytes. The established method of isolation is simple, stable, effective and reliable. It allows to obtain as early as 8.5-day embryonic myocytes. The electrophysiological recording of embryonic cardiomyocytes will provide a useful model for exploring the electrophysiological characteristics of embryonic cardiomyocytes and the possible mechanism underlying some heart diseases.

Effects of platelet activating factor on action potentials and potassium channels in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of platelet activating factor (PAF) on the action potential and potassium currents in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes. Whole cell patch clamp techniques were used. With 5 mmol/L ATP in the pipette electrode(mimic normal condition), 1 micromol/L PAF increased APD(90) from 225.8+/-23.3 to 352.8+/-29.8 ms (n=5, P<0.05), decreased I(K1) and I(K) tail currents from -6.1+/-1.3 to -5.6+/-1.1 nA (n=5, P<0.05) at -120 mV and from 173.5+/-16.7 to 152.1+/-11.5 pA (P<0.05, n=4) at +30 mV, respectively. But PAF had no effect on I(K1) at potentials within the normal range of membrane potentials (between -90 mV and +20 mV). In the contrary, without ATP in the pipette electrode by which I(K.ATP) was activated (mimic ischemic condition), 1 micro mol/L PAF shortened APD(90) from 153+/-24.6 to 88.2+/-19.4 ms (n=5, P<0.01). Incubation of myocytes with 1 micro mol/L glibenclamide, a blocker of I(K.ATP ) could restore prolongation of APD induced by PAF. In conclusion, in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes, with 5 mmol/L ATP in the pipette PAF could prolong APD partly due to the inhibition of I(K); while with 0 mmol/L ATP in the pipette, PAF could induce an activation of I(K.ATP), hence a decrease in APD. It is suggested that PAF may amplify the heterogeneity between ischemic and normal cardiac myocytes during ischemia /reperfusion, which may play a vital role in the pathogenesis of the arrhythmias induced by ischemia /reperfusion.

[Influence of PAF receptors on long term potentiation attenuated by aluminium in hippocampal CA3 area of rats].

AIM: To investigate the influence of platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor on long-term potentiation (LTP) attenuated by aluminium. METHODS: The method of extracellular recording was used to investigate the effect of PAF receptors on PP-CA3 LTP by microinjection of PAF receptor antagonist Ginkgolide B or agonist mc-PAF into CA3 area. RESULTS: (1) Amplitude of population spikes (PS) of evoked potential was not affected but LTP induction was blocked by 0.2 micromol/L ginkgolide B in CA3 area. (2) LTP induction was not influenced by 0.25 mol/L aluminium chloride, however, it could be blocked when aluminium was applicated with ginkgolide B. (3) LTP induction was influenced slightly by 40 micromol/L mc-PAF but it has no difference in statistic. LTP induction could be blocked completely by 0.5 mol/L aluminium, but when aluminium was coapplicated with mc-PAF, this effect could be relieved. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that PAF receptors are involved in induction of LTP in CA3 area by stimulating perforant path. The inhibitory effect of aluminium on LTP is partly related to PAF receptors.

Inhibitory effect of adrenomedullin on L-type calcium currents in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes.

The effects of adrenomedullin (ADM) on the L-type calcium currents (I(Ca,L)) and the mechanism of the signal transduction process were studied. Enzymatically isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes were used to measure ICa,L with whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. ADM at the concentrations of 1-100 nmol/L decreased ICa,L in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). ADM22-52) (100 nmol/L), a specific ADM-receptor antagonist, completely abolished the ADM-induced inhibition of ICa,L. Pretreatment of the cells with H-89 (10 micromol/L), a specific PKA inhibitor, did not attenuate the effects of ADM. Intracellular application of 10 micromol/L PKC19-36), a specific PKC inhibitor, prevented the ADM-induced inhibition of the ICa,L, while the specific PKC activator PMA could mimic the effects of ADM on the ICa,L. PMA (1 micromol/L) decreased the ICa,L by 32.26+/-4.20%(P<0.05). These findings indicate that ADM can inhibit the ICa,L in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes, and the inhibition is mediated by the specific ADM-receptor and an activation of protein kinase C.